Here’s an inside look on how the mysterious cleaning method unfolds.
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Forstubborn stainsand delicate fabrics, dry cleaning can be a lifesaver.
But how does dry cleaning work exactly?
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Dry cleaning is a cleaning process that uses a liquid solvent instead of water and detergent to clean clothes.
What Is Dry Cleaning?
As the name suggests, dry cleaning is a process that cleans clothes without water.
Dry cleaners use a special solvent that lifts dirt and stains from clothes.
Clothes are washed together in a large machine that uses solvent instead of water and detergent.
Dry cleaners vary in the solvents they use, but many employtetrachloroethylene, often called perchloroethylene or perc.
Dry cleaning usually takes between 24 and 48 hours for regular items.
For special stains or delicate fabrics, it may take longer.
Dry Cleaning Steps
So, how does dry cleaning work?
Water, especially hot water, can be harsh on clothes and cause colors to fade.
Since dry cleaning is waterless, it helps preserve colors and fabrics.
See your clothings cleaning label for the recommended cleaning methods.
Cleaners can use spot treatments for some stains before dry cleaning.
Talk with your cleaner to confirm the stains on your items can be removed.
If youre in doubt whether an item can be dry cleaned, check the label for cleaning instructions.
Dry cleaning traditionally used perchloroethylene (perc), a potentially harmful chemical, Rubin says.
However, the industry has evolved to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
Contrary to what may seem logical, there is a difference betweendry clean versus dry clean-onlyclothing.
However, dry-clean-only materials are not meant to be submerged in water, ever.
Dry cleaning may use heat, but for delicate items, cleaners do not use heat.
Talk with your cleaning professional about any special care instructions or stains that your clothing has.
US EPA O.Dry cleaning facilities: national perchloroethylene air emission standards.
1993;23(4):255-262.
